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Upcoming Trips

Brown Bears of Alaska: Brooks Falls

Wilderness Camping Photo Safari

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Brown Bears of Alaska: Brooks Falls

Wilderness Camping Photo Safari

Upcoming Departures

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Start/End

King Salmon, AK / King Salmon, AK

Length

5 Days/4 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 2 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 10 Guests

Highlights

Katmai is internationally recognized as one of the best places on Earth to capture striking images of bears and boasts the highest density of brown bears on the planet.
Witness over a dozen bears at a time fishing for salmon at the world-famous Brooks Falls
Spend three nights at our base camp right at Brooks Camp
Katmai is a remote and pristine wilderness accessible only by float plane or boat, adding to the excitement and allure of this once-in-a-lifetime experience
Led by professional photo guides, you'll receive expert guidance and tips to capture the best possible shots and return home with memories to last a lifetime
Small groups sizes

Schedule a Call

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.

Trip Description:

Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime as you journey deep into the untamed wilderness of Katmai National Park in Alaska, where you'll have a rare chance to experience the awe-inspiring power of the coastal brown bears up close and personal. Covering an astonishing 4 million acres, Katmai is one of the largest and most magnificent national parks in the United States and is internationally recognized as one of the best places on Earth to capture striking images of bears. Katmai is home to the highest density of brown bears on the planet.

Nestled on the rugged Alaskan Peninsula, Katmai is a remote and pristine wilderness accessible only by float plane or boat, further adding to the excitement and allure of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Over five unforgettable days, we will completely immerse you in the world of brown bear photography, with countless opportunities to photograph bears fishing, playing, and much more!

At the majestic Brooks Falls, the jewel in the crown of our adventure, you'll be spellbound by the sight of over a dozen bears at a time fishing for salmon, a spectacle that has been captured in countless awe-inspiring photographs. We'll spend three nights at our base camp right at Brooks Falls, ensuring that we'll have ample time and the perfect lighting conditions to capture stunning shots of these majestic creatures in all their glory. You'll have the opportunity to capture unforgettable, full-frame images of brown bears and other wildlife, including moose, fox, wolf, and Bald Eagles.

What's Included

All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
Camping gear (tent, air mattress, pillow, bear resistant food containers, and safety equipment) *You need to bring your own sleeping bag
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for pilots and service staff

What's Not Included

Transportation to and from King Salmon, Alaska
Sleeping bag
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.

Trip Itinerary

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
Arrive in King Salmon, Alaska by 5:00 pm for orientation and welcome dinner.

Day 2 (B,L,D)
Hiking mileage: 3-6 miles on a flat road/trail
Today we will board a small float plane or boat for Brooks Falls. After a safety briefing and setting up our base-camp we will begin photographing Grizzly Bears! We’ll spend the entire rest of the day photographing the bears as they run, swim, fight & fish the stream for Salmon.

Days 3 - 4 (B,L,D)
Hiking mileage: 3-6 miles on a flat road/trail
Full Days of hiking & photography as we witness the spectacle of the great bears at Brooks Falls!

Day 5 (B)
Hiking Mileage: 3-6 miles on a flat road/trail
We’ll have a morning session of photography during magic hour lighting and then break down our base camp before we board the float plane or boat for King Salmon.

Please note: Weather delays are possible, and we highly recommend travel insurance.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.

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Physical Requirements

This is a Level 2 Trip.

Accessing the Brooks Falls viewing platform requires walking along well-established paths, approximately 1.5 miles one way. Expect to make this walk a few times a day.

Please note:
Whether you choose the lodge-based trip or the tent camping trip, please know that you are not able to bring food or strongly scented items. For the safety of both guests and wildlife, these items are strictly prohibited in tents or cabins.

Dining during your visit will be provided at the Brooks Lodge, offering buffet-style meals in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. While the buffet offers a variety of options, accommodating specific dietary preferences may be challenging due to the remote location. If you have specific dietary needs, please contact us in advance to discuss whether we can accommodate your requests.

Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?

UNPARALELLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS

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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.

THE BEST TEAM
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BUSINESS

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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.

WORLD-CLASS
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY

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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.

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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!

HERE’S THE DEAL

We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

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